Lightning raise Martin St. Louis' No. 26 to the rafters
Martin St. Louis' number won't ever be worn by another Tampa Bay Lightning player.
The diminutive legend had his No. 26 retired at Amalie Arena on Friday night following a series of speeches by Lightning luminaries, including former head coach John Tortorella, current general manager Steve Yzerman, and injured captain Steven Stamkos.
Related - Tortorella: Martin St. Louis was 'a pain in the ass to coach'
St. Louis made special mention of his late mother during his speech before the banner was raised.
"There's one person not here tonight who I wish could be here more than anything: My mom," he said.
"I know she is here with us tonight," he added. "She always said, 'Show them, Marty. Show them.' Well, mom, I think I did."
St. Louis is the first player in Lightning history to have his number retired, and his career numbers with Tampa Bay certainly validate the honor.
Category | Total w/ TB | Franchise Rank |
---|---|---|
Goals | 365 | 2nd |
Assists | 588 | 1st |
Points | 953 | 1st |
Games Played | 972 | 2nd |
Game-Winning Goals | 64 | 1st |
He also scored perhaps the most memorable goal in franchise history, netting the double-overtime winner in Game 6 of the 2004 Stanley Cup Final to send the series - which the Lightning eventually won - back to Tampa Bay.